June 01, 2008 12:58 PM

ABC News' Ben Newman reports: Sen. Barack Obama's decision to cut ties with Trinity United Church of Christ was not politically motivated, Obama's communications director Robert Gibbs said this morning.

"I think what [decision] Barack Obama made in the past few days is a deeply personal, not political decision," Gibbs said in an exclusive appearance on “This Week with George Stephanopoulos”.

A member of the church for 20 years, Obama faced mounting criticism for his relationship to Trinity after videos from a number of controversial sermons by the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and, more recently, by the Rev. Michael Pfleger appeared on the Internet.

In April, Obama responded to growing concern over his relationship with Wright, the church’s former pastor, saying, "I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community."

Gibbs said Obama's decision to leave was not directly related to Wright's comments or Father Pfleger's May 25 sermon in which he mocked Hillary Clinton, but was also linked to the church's uncomfortable and reluctant position in the media spotlight.

"They couldn't do what members of a church do,” Gibbs said. “They were subject to a media circus that continues today."

Stephanopoulos pressed Gibbs on the convenient timing of the announcement and speculation the Obama may be linked to other controversial sermons, but Gibbs asserted Obama consulted with his family and the church community before making a decision.

“He thought [it] was best for his family, best for his church," Gibbs said. "He understands that he's still a strong Christian, that his faith endures, and he'll look for a new church home."


WOW!  What a WONDERFUL and GIVING GUY Obama is ... Making this difficult decision FOR THE GOOD OF ALL THOSE LONG SUFFERING CHURCH MEMBERS

What?  Do we ALL like have VILLAGE IDIOT written on our foreheads?

Clearly, Obama is a man of strong religious faith and deeply held principles.  He just seems to have a curious sense of timing.

I guess BHO decided that Trinity United is beyond hope and sees no reason to work for change.